Health Care

January 20, 2002|By Mark Hollis

THE SITUATION: A statewide shortage of nurses, rising drug costs and public support for stronger health programs in the wake of terrorist attacks will keep legislators focused on health care. Some health care groups want to privatize some oversight boards, such as the state Board of Dentistry. Members of both political parties will propose plans for restoring health benefits to low-income residents who have lost jobs and insurance coverage. A political battle is likely over whether to loosen regulations that limit the number of hospitals that offer services like open-heart surgery.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Expect demagoguery over which party is doing more to control health costs and make basic health care available to the poor. Public health officials and private hospitals will fight over whether the state needs more power to quarantine people in medical emergencies, or even take temporary control of private hospitals. Also expect pharmaceutical companies to seek special legislative permission to gain lucrative contracts for state services.

WHO WILL TRY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN: Gov. Jeb Bush wants to implement a pilot program to give low-income residents access to basic health care. His strongest support will come from House Republicans. Some generic-drug manufacturers will fight to loosen rules limiting access to their medicines.

WHO WILL TRY TO STOP IT: Democrats will argue against more cuts to health programs and will seek to blame Bush for supporting tax cuts to the detriment of the state's health services.

WHAT IT COULD MEAN FOR YOU: New programs offering health insurance for the poor and unemployed. Access to some cheaper generic drugs. Cuts to some social service and health programs.